Oconee,

At Milledgeville (Lower Oconee)

Play Spot at Milledgeville

Play Spot at Milledgeville
Photo of Travis Manuel by Chris Jackson @ low

Gauge Information

River Description

The Oconee at Milledgeville offers many interesting attractions for boaters as well as those looking for some fun on a hot day.

You can drive directly to Sinclair Damn where you can fish or swim below the damn. There is a good rope swing about a quarter of a mile down the dirt put-in road.

The spill way of Sinclair Damn creates a super impressive monster wave when it is flowing. The spill way only empties during periods of a lot of rain up north of Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair. If you see any flooding in Milledgeville it is always a good idea to go check out the damn just to enjoy the massive way from a distance. I don't believe the spill way is runnable, it is impressive though.

You can also put-in below the damn for a float down to the Hwy 49 bridge take-out.

The run is almost 4 miles and takes a considerable amount of time, depending on the water level.

After about 3.4 miles down the river, you will come to a major split. There will be three distinct channels. The left channel (which will be strait ahead) can be spotted by a small horizon line. This is a good play spot at medium to high flows (2500 and up). If you take the middle or right at the split, you will soon come upon the old powerhouse. Just to the left of the powerhouse is the rapid. At 3500cfs or more there is a surfable wave in the middle channel.

The takeout is just down stream of the powerhouse after the two channels meet back together. You will go under the Hwy49 bridge and takeout at the boat ramp on the river right.

The boat ramp area has been worked on for the past year and includes good parking, a greenway, and access to the river.

The powerhouse, and fall line rapids can also be park and play spots. The takeout area is a good place to just spend some time in your boat. You can put in at the boat ramp and paddle up to the powerhouse or the fall line rapids. It is a great place to practice fairis and rolls in some current.

Overall, this spot is perfect for a little after work (or class) fun.